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August trades for rotation help are hard to come by

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GM Jerry Dipoto (right) has his eye on the waiver wire. (AP)

By Alden Gonzalez
/
MLB.com |

ANAHEIM -- In Vinnie Pestano, the Angels acquired a veteran reliever who isn't far removed from Major League success (2.45 ERA in 137 appearances for the Indians from 2011-12) and comes with plenty of flexibility (he can be optioned to the Minors this year and next year).

What would really be great is if they could acquire the Pestano equivalent as a starting pitcher.

That's "really hard," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said.

"The idea that you can make the perfect acquisition for your rotation in August is not great, but there are going to be available options. We just have to determine what the right timing is, or if we need one."

Tyler Skaggs is currently sidelined for an indefinite amount of time because of a flexor strain in his left forearm and C.J. Wilson entered Thursday's game with a 12.50 ERA in his last five starts. That leaves their rotation quite vulnerable, with Hector Santiago and Matt Shoemaker being counted on to step up in support of Jered Weaver and Garrett Richards, and not much of a safety net in their Minor League system.

Dipoto pointed out that left-hander Wade LeBlanc, reacquired on June 17, has been pitching well at Triple-A Salt Lake, with a 2.52 ERA in his last six starts. Chris Volstad is also there, with a 5.18 ERA in four starts. But the Angels -- with money left in their budget -- will continue to monitor the waiver wire in hopes of landing additional starting-pitching depth.

"Unfortunately, we don't have the household name sitting in the 7 hole right now," Dipoto said. "I don't know that anyone really does. That's what August waivers are for. That's what our Minor League system is for."